January 07

Born in Köslin, Prussia, Stephan began his career as a post office clerk and rose to become Postmaster General of the German Empire. He implemented reforms including uniform postage stamps and modern sorting techniques. Recognizing the need for global coordination, he spearheaded the creation of the Universal Postal Union at the 1874 Brussels Congress, greatly simplifying cross-border mail. Stephan also oversaw the modernization of telegraph networks and advocated for international collaboration in communication. His leadership transformed the German postal system into a model of efficiency and laid the groundwork for the international postal and telecommunication standards we rely on today.

F. Orlin Tremaine was a pioneering magazine editor and executive whose tenure at Astounding Stories beginning in 1933 transformed the pulp magazine into a respected platform for science fiction. Under his guidance, the magazine published works by emerging genre talents and set higher editorial standards. Tremaine also contributed essays and commentary, influencing the direction of speculative fiction publishing before his death in 1956.

Elliott Kastner was a prolific film producer whose career spanned five decades. Born in New York and raised partly in England, he produced over 30 films across various genres including thrillers, dramas, and action movies. Kastner is best known for discovering new talent and championing director-screenwriter collaborations, most notably for bringing 'In the Heat of the Night' to the screen, which won multiple Academy Awards. He also produced hits such as 'Where Eagles Dare', 'Reflections in a Golden Eye', and 'Marathon Man'. Kastner's ability to secure financing and talent made him a respected figure in Hollywood. He passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of enduring films.

Born in 1943 in Hiroshima, Sadako Sasaki was exposed to radiation during the 1945 atomic bombing. After developing leukemia at age 11, she began folding origami cranes in hopes of recovery, creating a powerful symbol of hope and peace. Her story popularized the tradition of senbazuru and inspired the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Sadako’s legacy endures as a poignant reminder of the human cost of nuclear warfare.

Katie Couric is an American television journalist who made history as the first solo female anchor of the CBS Evening News. She began her career as a news reporter and co-host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday before moving to network television. Couric served as co-anchor of NBC's Today show, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in American morning television. After her tenure at CBS, she founded her own production company and hosted the syndicated talk show Katie. Couric has authored books on journalism and women's health, demonstrating her versatility as a writer. She is a passionate advocate for cancer research, inspired by her personal experiences with the disease. Couric's trailblazing career has paved the way for women in broadcast news.